A man has appeared before Oxford Crown Court charged with a "horrific and vicious" rape.
Richard Day, 21, of Greenmere, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, near Wallingford, denies attacking a woman while she was babysitting at her friend's house in the early hours of May 18.
Martin Wilson, prosecuting, said Day had put on a balaclava and gone to a house in Didcot, where he dragged his victim into the garden before twice violently raping her.
Day denies two counts of rape. The case continues.
He said she was subjected to a 40-minute ordeal during which she was brutally beaten and chunks of her hair were cut off.
The alleged victim has since died.
Mr Wilson accused Day of plotting the rape and trying to cover his tracks by writing threatening letters to himself. He had also used the woman's mobile to write threatening text messages.
Mr Wilson added: "The victim suffered gross injuries and was in a state of shock.
"The attack was horrific and vicious."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article